What is it all about?

This project will establish an on-farm innovation program for the Australian rubus industry, helping growers evaluate new technologies under commercial growing conditions. The 12-month project responds to industry challenges including labour shortages, rising production costs, climate variability and the need for better information to support on-farm decisions.  

Many growers are interested in new technologies but can find it difficult to know which ones are worth investing in. To help address this, the project will establish up to three on-farm demonstration sites where technologies such as automation, robotics, AI and digital farm tools can be tested on commercial farms. Activities will include working with growers to identify priorities, testing technologies in real-world situations and assessing their performance, suitability and value.  

Intended outcomes include increased awareness of available technologies, greater confidence in technology investment decisions and increased adoption of technologies that can improve productivity. The project will also deliver practical case studies, field days and grower resources to help the wider rubus industry understand the performance, suitability and value of emerging technologies under commercial growing conditions.